To broaden the search strategy to increase number of hits, follow as many of the below tips as applicable:
- Use related terms (hypertension, antihypertensives…);
- Use synonyms (cancer, tumor…), such as search Google for [term] synonyms;
- Use multiple terms/different expressions for same concept (aged, old age…);
- Use generic and brand names (tylenol, acetaminophen…);
- Consider variations in punctuation (down’s, downs’…);
- Consider term variation across different disciplines (bedsores, decubitus…);
- Use acronyms (AIDS, CIDA…);
- Consider American & British (paediatrics, pediatrics…);
- Consider differences in terminology in different countries (SIDS, cot disease…)
- Consider misspelling mistakes (prostrate cancer, myocardial infraction…)
